The Question Almost Every New NDIS Patient Asks
When someone comes in with an NDIS plan for the first time, the most common thing they say at the end of the initial consultation is: “I didn’t know I could use my funding for this.” Exercise physiology is one of the most underutilised areas of the NDIS — many patients, and sometimes even their support coordinators, aren’t aware that it is a funded allied health service.
Which NDIS Plan Categories Cover Exercise Physiology?
Improved Daily Living (Support Category 15) covers therapeutic supports including assessment, therapy, and training provided by allied health professionals. This is the most common category used for NDIS exercise physiology in Sydney, when services are aimed at improving daily function, independence, or management of your disability.
Improved Health and Wellbeing (Support Category 1) covers programs that help participants improve fitness, health, and wellbeing as it relates to their disability. In practice, most NDIS patients access exercise physiology under Category 15. Your plan manager or support coordinator can clarify which applies to your situation.
What Conditions Do NDIS Patients Commonly Come in For?
Neurological conditions — multiple sclerosis, acquired brain injury, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease. Exercise physiology has strong evidence for improving function, balance, and quality of life across all of these. The program must be individually designed for the specific neurological picture.
Musculoskeletal conditions and chronic pain — spinal cord injury, hypermobility spectrum disorders, chronic back and joint pain, post-surgical rehabilitation. The combination of chiropractic assessment and exercise physiology rehabilitation at our clinic can be particularly useful for complex presentations.
Intellectual and developmental disability — exercise plays a crucial role in maintaining cardiovascular health, managing weight, and supporting mental wellbeing.
Mental health conditions — where physical health is significantly impacted by the primary diagnosis.
How to Organise NDIS Funding for Sessions
If your plan is agency-managed, you’ll need to work with a registered NDIS provider. If plan-managed, your plan manager handles payments directly. If self-managed, you can work with any qualified exercise physiologist and claim reimbursement. In all cases, start with a phone call to discuss your goals, confirm funding, and set up a service agreement.
Book with Dr Gordon: To discuss NDIS exercise physiology in Sydney, call (02) 9371 7774 or visit gordonchiropractic.com.au.